The THP's successful groom training program, the Groom Elite Program, has launched its own website. The site can be found at www.thehorsemeneliteprogram.com . The Groom Elite Program's schedule for Texas tracks in 2002 is also taking shape.

The new website for the Groom Elite Program includes general information about the history, logistics and goals of the program, as well as descriptions of the two courses currently offered by the program - Groom Elite 101 and Groom Elite 201. The latter is a more advanced class that is being offered for the first time in 2002. The site also includes news about the course, contact information, and a calendar of upcoming classes being offered.

The Groom Elite Program will offer courses at all three Class One racetrack in Texas in 2002. The course will also travel outside of Texas for the first time this year, with stops to include Colonial Downs in Virginia. The dates are still being finalized for Retama Park, but class schedules are set for Sam Houston Race Park and Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie.

Sam Houston Race Park, which offered the program last fall, is again hosting it right now. Groom Elite 101 courses began on February 25 and 26, and they will continue on March 4, 5, 11 and 12.

The new Groom Elite 201 class will be offered for the first time this spring at Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. It is scheduled to take place on April 15, 16 and 17.

Check back at the new Groom Elite Program frequently to get updates on news and schedules.